SKU: 39657104789

The Mountains of Saint Francis: Discovering the Geologic Events That Shaped Our Earth

Sale price$38.24 Regular price$42.49
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $10.62 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 30 - Aug 4

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Mountains of Saint Francis: Discovering the Geologic Events That Shaped Our EarthModern geologists, Walter Alvarez among them, showed in the last decades of the twentieth century that the history of our planet has witnessed events profoundly more dramatic than even the most spectacular chapters in human history. More violent than wars, more life altering than revolutions understanding the geologic events that have shaped the Earth's surface is the quest and the passion of geologists. In the knowledgeable and graceful prose of

Modern geologists, Walter Alvarez among them, showed in the last decades of the twentieth century that the history of our planet has witnessed events profoundly more dramatic than even the most spectacular chapters in human history. More violent than wars, more life altering than revolutions--understanding the geologic events that have shaped the Earth's surface is the quest and the passion of geologists. In the knowledgeable and graceful prose of Alvarez, general readers are led to explore the many mysteries that our planet guards.

The author has chosen Italy as a microcosm in which to explore this amazing past for several reasons. First, it is the land where the earliest geologists learned how to read the history of the Earth, written in nature's rock archives. Second, it is where Alvarez and his Italian geological friends have continued to decipher the rock record, uncovering more historical episodes from the Earth's past. And third, the lovely land of Italy is unusually rich in geological treasures and offers examples of the key processes that have created the landscapes of the entire world.

The Mountains of Saint Francis begins in Rome. We discover that the landscape of Rome was built by violent volcanic eruptions in the very recent past, almost certainly witnessed by our human ancestors. Next we travel to Siena and come face to face with a fundamental discovery of the geologists--that much of the dry land that we currently inhabit was once underwater, beneath ancient seas or oceans. Then we stop in the small medieval city of Gubbio and contemplate the amazing secret that the limestone rocks kept hidden for 65 million years--that a huge asteroid smashed into the Earth, disrupting the environment so severely that the dinosaurs, and perhaps half of the other forms of life inhabiting the Earth at the time, disappeared forever, opening the way for the rise of the mammals and eventually of humans.

The impact theory that came from those Italian limestones at Gubbio was one of the great geological discoveries of the twentieth century. Just as important to the field of geology was the theory of plate tectonics--the understanding that the outer layer of the Earth is divided into crustal plates that move around, sometimes carrying continents into collisions with one another, like the great collision between Italy and Europe that built the Alps. And yet, to explain the Mountains of Saint Francis requires something more than a collision between continents. These are mountains that are still jealously guarding the secret of their past, and in this book we go along with the geological detectives as they try to uncover that secret. It is a journey that has seen the land of Italy lifted out of the sea, squashed and folded, torn apart, left high and dry when the Mediterranean Sea evaporated away, and then flooded when the Atlantic waters poured back in.

The story of the Earth's history is fascinating in its own right, but with Alvarez as the tour guide, the journey takes on a human dimension, full of stories about the landscape and history of Italy and about the great geologists who uncovered the deep past of this land. It is a journey recounted in warm tones and subtle colors, reflecting the transcendent beauty of Italy itself.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 12/01/2008
ISBN: 9780393061857
Pages: 304
Weight: 1.27lbs
Size: 9.28h x 6.44w x 0.98d

Review Citations: Library Journal Prepub Alert 01/14/2008 pg. 62
Publishers Weekly 05/26/2008 pg. 48
Library Journal 06/15/2008 pg. 88
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2008 pg. 627
Booklist 07/01/2008 pg. 22
Scitech Book News 12/01/2008 pg. 56
Choice 06/01/2009
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 39657104789

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.2 ★★★★★
Based on 8 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
N
Verified Purchase
Noelle Rogers
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
must-try. Five stars from me!
Size: 4.2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I recently tried the **ELBBUB Whipped Tallow Cream**, and I can confidently say it's one of the best skincare products I've ever used! From the moment I opened the jar, I was struck by the light, fluffy texture that feels luxurious and indulgent. This cream absorbs beautifully into the skin, leaving it feeling incredibly soft and hydrated without any greasy residue. It’s perfect for daily use and works wonders on dry areas, especially during colder months. My skin feels plump and nourished, and I've noticed a significant improvement in its overall texture and appearance. The ingredients are clean and wholesome, giving me peace of mind about what I'm putting on my skin. I also appreciate the subtle, natural scent that isn’t overpowering, making it suitable for anyone sensitive to strong fragrances. What truly sets this cream apart is its versatility. I’ve used it on my face, hands, and even as a body moisturizer, and it performs flawlessly across the board. It's become an essential part of my skincare routine, and I can’t recommend it enough! If you’re looking for a rich, effective moisturizer that truly delivers, the ELBBUB Whipped Tallow Cream is a must-try. Five stars from me!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
Erin
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
So soft I love!!
Size: 4.2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I have been using this tallow cream for months now and my skill feels so moisturized every time I use it. I have had it for a while and still have half of the jar left so, a little does really go a long way. I really wanted to switch to a natural product to avoid putting harsh/unnecessary chemicals on my face. I also have pretty dry skin which was another big reason why I wanted to try tallow for my face. It is fragrance free which is I do like. I have not noticed much of a change in my skin appearance, largely because I do already have good skin but I love the way it makes my face feel. I did not notice any major breakouts when I started using this product, though I have never had sensitive skin. My boyfriend does have sensitive skin though and he uses it from time to time and has never complained about breakouts. I think this product is worth trying, though everybody's skin is different so you just have to test it out and see!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Highly recommend
Size: 4.2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
This is a great product. I’ve probably ordered at least 10 jars at this point. I use it as my every day facial moisturizer. It’s not greasy, I’ve had no break outs, it has virtually no smell, and I love that there are no random unnecessary ingredients added. My husband (who has very sensitive skin) now also uses it as his dairy facial moisturizer. Highly recommend!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
K. Louise
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
Very thick, rich cream. Good for hands or overnight.
Size: 4.2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I like this, but I don't love it. It's very rich and creamy, no discernible scent, and feels good going on. The beeswax in this makes it a good "barrier cream", great for overnight. This is very moisturizing, but it does not seem to penetrate as deeply as another tallow cream that I tried which has no beeswax. It's a nice sized jar for the price. This is really good for hands. I'm still on the hunt for a really good tallow cream that doesn't contain wax or olive oil...the search continues.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Cynda
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Non-greasy
Size: 4.2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Very smooth and non-greasy. Helped my cracked heels in about three weeks! I use it on my face and haven't had any issues with break-outs or oily skin. Nice product, worth the money. I have bought twice and will again.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026

recommand products